Daniels Promotion Push Gathers Momentum
Stamford answered manager Graham Drury's call to pile the pressure on their promotion rivals with a crucial 2-1 away success at Bedworth United on Saturday.
A goal in each half from Rob Morgan and Delroy Gordon saw the Daniels become only the second side this season to beat the Greenbacks on the 3G surface at their Oval base.
The victory cemented Stamford's grip on fourth spot in the table and also moved them to within two points of their defeated third-placed hosts.
Boss Drury said: "I'm over the moon with the victory.
"It wasn't a vintage performance, but the players pulled together and showed a lot of passion, desire and character which is what I expect from my teams.
"I was pleased with our first half performance. We managed to get ourselves in front and created a couple of other chances.
"We started the second half OK and they only really reacted when the second goal went in because they're not used to losing at home.
"It was all hands to the pump for the last 15 minutes, but we defended what we had to and I'm very proud of the boys again."
Stamford made just one chance to the side that won 1-0 at Kidsgrove last weekend with Jon Challinor coming into the starting line-up for Callum Ball.
The Daniels created the better openings in the early exchanges despite Bedworth looking dangerous from the worrying number of free-kicks that Stamford conceded in punishable positions.
Eliot Putman saw an early sighter safely gathered by Greenbacks goalkeeper Daniel Crane before the deadlock was broken after 17 minutes.
A slick Stamford move down the right saw Bradley Fortnum-Tomlinson work an opening to release Morgan who unleashed a powerful strike that fizzed past Crane.
Levi Rowley steered a shot narrowly wide from another Bedworth setpiece before Fortnam-Tomlinson had a low shot smothered by Crane after Kieran Wells and Morgan had combined well in the build-up.
Morgan fired another effort over after an excellent run and shot as Stamford remained solid at the back despite Bedworth feeding plenty of balls into dangerous areas.
It then took the Daniels just nine minutes of the second half to double their lead from a setpiece of their own as Putman's corner to the back post was headed home by Gordon by had rose highest.
Bedworth made several attacking substitutions as they looked to find a way back into the contest.
Rowley headed a decent opening over from Luke Rowe free-kick while Stamford responded with an acrobatic Morgan effort from a Duffy free-kick being clawed away by Crane.
The hosts halved the deficit with seven minutes remaining as experienced striker Iyseden Christie found space in an otherwise water-tight Stamford rearguard to head home a cross from the left.
Substitute Liam Adams went close for Stamford from a Morgan cross while Rowley saw a fierce effort at the other end palmed away by Haystead.
Bedworth forced a number of late corners and launched several long throw-ins into the Stamford box, but the Daniels were in no mood to relinquish their advantage as they held out for a third successive league victory.
Assist
Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson
Star Player
Rob MorganKey moments
Videos and photos
Highlights
As it happened
- Bedworth United
- Stamford
- 0
-
Rob Morgan Goal 17:00'
-
Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson Assist 17:00'
-
Eliot Putman Yellow Card 29:00'
-
Joe Pegg Yellow Card 31:00'
-
Ryan Smith Sub On 46:00'
-
Tom Sharpe Sub Off 46:00'
-
Delroy Gordon Goal 56:00'
-
Liam Adams Sub On 58:00'
-
Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson Sub Off 58:00'
-
Luke Keen Sub On 61:00'
-
Kieron Brehon Sub Off 61:00'
-
Kieran Wells Yellow Card 62:00'
-
Jordan Smith Sub On 64:00'
-
Jon Challinor Sub Off 64:00'
-
Iyseden Christie Sub On 69:00'
-
Mark Albrighton Sub Off 69:00'
-
Callum Ball Sub On 73:00'
-
Kieran Wells Sub Off 73:00'
-
Iyseden Christie Goal 83:00'
-
Missed Penalty 83:00'
Team selection
- Bedworth United
- Stamford
Haystead, Dan
George, Ben
Gordon, Delroy
Challinor, Jon
Eze, Henry
Putman, Eliot
Morgan, Rob
Armstrong, Michael
Fortnam-Tomlinson, Bradley
Wells, Kieran
Duffy, Jake
League round up
Other The EVO-STIK South results
Comments
Standings
| # | Team | Pl | Pts |
| 1. | Basford United | 42 | 100 |
| 2. | Alvechurch | 42 | 85 |
| 3. | Frickley Athletic | 42 | 82 |
| 4. | Bedworth United | 42 | 74 |
| 5. | Chasetown | 42 | 73 |
| 6. | Stamford | 42 | 71 |
| 7. | Leek Town | 42 | 68 |
Team sponsors
Affiliations
Club sponsors
